Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56, her family has announced.
In a statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The acclaimed Dublin performer released 10 studio albums, while her song Nothing Compares 2 U was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards.
Her version of the ballad, written by musician Prince, topped the charts around the globe and earned her three Grammy nominations.
The accompanying music video, directed by English filmmaker John Maybury, consisted mostly of a close-up of O’Connor’s face as she sung the lyrics and became as famous as her recording of the song.
In 1991, O’Connor was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine on the back of the song’s success.
O’Connor was presented with the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards earlier this year.
The singer received a standing ovation as she dedicated the award for the album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community”.
“You’re very welcome in Ireland. I love you very much and I wish you happiness,” she said.
President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to O’Connor, saying his “first reaction on hearing the news of Sinéad’s loss was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice.”
“To those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, one couldn’t but always be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been,” he said.
“What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her … May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar led the tributes to O’Connor, expressing his sorrow at the death of the singer in a post on social media.
“Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music,” said Mr Varadkar.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was “devastated” to learn of her death.
“One of our greatest musical icons, and someone deeply loved by the people of Ireland, and beyond. Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her,” he said.
Minister for Culture and Arts Catherine Martin said she was “so sorry” that the “immensely talented” O’Connor had died.
“Her unique voice and innate musicality was incredibly special … My thoughts are with her family and all who are heartbroken on hearing this news Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.”
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill said Ireland had lost “one of our most powerful and successful singer, songwriter and female artists”.
“A big loss not least to her family & friends, but all her many followers across the world.”
O’Connor is survived by her three children. Her son, Shane, died last year aged 17.
She drew controversy and divided opinion during her long career in music and time in public life.
In 1992, O’Connor tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on US television programme Saturday Night Live in an act of protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church.
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